Winemaker Notes
The 2007 Mendocino is a little different from past vintages. Instead of being dominated by cherry aromas, this leans more towards a mixed bowl of berries. The other interesting point is an aroma like a rustic mountain cabin with fresh red meat and spices being prepared for dinner and then freshly baked wild berry pies for dessert - of course the wood stove damper is not working well so there is a little smoke in the room...
The tannins are soft and supple, but the acidity comes through with a bit more acid structure than in past vintages and stays with you till the cows come home. We always add a little Syrah and Petite Sirah for the mid palate, filling in the hole of the donut, but this year it is a little more pronounced in the flavors and aromas, hence the gamey and meatiness underneath all the mixed fruits.
With aging the wine should evolve into a very layered and complex Zinfandel, with toast and spice from the oak picking up in intensity and the creaminess becoming more apparent after a few years.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.